Publication Information

Abstract

Effects of populations of Cyprinodon macularius Baird and Girard (desert pupfish) and Gambusia affinis affinis (Baird and Girard) on aquatic insects and zooplankton were investigated in shallow
ponds clear of emergent vegetation and those planted with rice. Presence of both fish
caused equivalently lower densities of beneficial insect predators, mosquitoes, and
zooplankton.

Except for some behavioral feeding differences, food consumption appeared to be related
to the density of food organisms available. Cyprinodon macularius foraged primarily in the benthos, where it consumed chironomid midge larvae, aquatic
vegetation, snails, detritus, and some zooplankton and insect predator groups; whereas,
G. affinis, foraging more at the surface, consumed a diverse selection of terrestrial insects
as well as chironomid midge larvae, more planktonic zooplankters, snails, and some
insect predators.

Cyprinodon macularius appears to be an acceptable substitute for G. affinis in mosquito control, and may be preferred in habitats harboring other native fishes
due to minimal piscivorous behavior.

Danielson T. L. Differential predation on C. pipiens and A. albimanus mosquito larvae by two species of fish (G. affinis and C. nevadensis) and the effects of simulated reeds on predation 1968. p.115. Ph.D. thesis, University of California, Riverside